====== Calipers: Advantages and Disadvantages of the 3 types ======

While many people generically refer to calipers as "Vernier Calipers", there are actually 3 types of measuring caliper: vernier, dial, and digital. The difference is primarily in the indicator, which brings both advantages and disadvantages.((Source information primarily obtained from: https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/metrology/calipers-advantages-disadvantages-3-types-290571/))

[{{ :articles:vernier_caliper_w-description.jpeg?direct&800 |**Parts of a Vernier Caliper**}}]

===== Vernier calipers =====

**Advantages:**
  * Available in many lengths
  * Available in many versions (e.g. leg length and form)
  * Fewer moving parts than dial or digital calipers
  * Virtually impervious to damage from many liquids (e.g., machine oils, coolant)
  * Normally cheaper than the digital equivalent (there is almost always a digital equivalent to be found)
  * No battery required

**Disadvantages:**
  * Not as accurate as dial and digital
  * Reading a vernier isn't as easy as reading a dial or digital
  * Typically only available in either inches OR metric (not both on the same scale)

{{ :articles:dial-digital_calipers.jpeg?direct&800 |}}
===== Dial calipers =====

**Advantages:**
  * More accurate than vernier
  * Easier to read than vernier
  * Analog display is preferred over digital by some users
  * No battery required

**Disadvantages:**
  * 300mm / 12" is usually the maximum length available
  * Legs only available in "standard" versions
  * Sensitive to dust and grime
  * Difficult to repair

===== Digital calipers =====

**Advantages:**
  * Available in many lengths
  * Available in many versions (e.g., length and form)
  * Most can display both metric and inches
  * More accurate than vernier or dial calipers
  * Easier to read than vernier or dial calipers
  * Available power sources include battery OR solar
  * Able to set zero at any point (very handy for "distance to go" measurements, such as turning or boring a set size. Does the math for you.)
  * Many are available with data output and other useful functions such as providing:
    - Easier & quicker data recording
    - Wireless recording via bluetooth
    - Error free recording (i.e., the reading is recorded directly)
    - SPC,(required by some QA systems) performed with a couple of clicks.
    - Digital output (e.g., that can be provided to your customer)

**Disadvantages:**
  * Battery life in "cheaper" types is often very limited
  * Solar powered versions may not function in low light situations (Users report that a flashlight quickly remedies that problem) 
  * Susceptible to environmental damage (e.g., liquids such as oils or coolants can cause them to malfunction)
  * If non-functioning (after replacing the battery) they can be difficult or impossible to repair
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